Mark Schneider- Beloved- Similar Designs?

[dmorse111307]

Hi, I am looking to buy my girlfriend''''s engagement ring. I fell in love with the Mark Schneider ring called "Beloved". It is a simple solitaire which she wants, but a solitaire is the only thing really traditional about her. She loves contemporary wedding themes, pictures, interior decorations, houses, furniture, etc. She is a very fun and loves edgy things. So I wanted to honor her wishes by getting her a solitaire, but still get something that I feel really matched her personality and likes-- the Mark Schneider "Beloved" does this perfectly. I absolutely know she would adore it. Here''''s where my question is, does anyone know of any similar designs like this ring, that are cheaper simply because they aren''''t designer rings? We are both sophomores in college putting ourselves through and although we both want to be engaged right now, I just can''''t afford the setting plus the one carat round cut diamond I plan to put in it. If anyone has any jewelers or look-a-likes that may help, please let me know! Post links, pictures, info, whatever you think may help. I would like to spend $3000 on the setting and diamond (possibly impossible i know), but I love this woman and want her to be the happiest person in the world!
Thanks in advance,
David "ringhunting"

 

[VRBeauty]

That is a unique and beautiful setting -- and from your description of your GF's taste, it does sound like a terrific setting for her. (I haven't been able to figure out how to post a link with Safari, but here's a web address for anyone who's interested.)

http://www.markschneiderdesign.com/detail.asp?recid=20&ringname=Beloved

I don't recall seeing any other settings with that swirly head, or with the "secret heart" accent -- but I'm not in the market for e-rings so I'm not as familiar with what's out there as many other PS'ers would be. It might be helpful to identify the design elements that really caught your eye.

BTW if you were to buy the Beloved setting in 14k, goes for $840. You'd probably spend $300 for a more generic 14k that has a similar heft and a trellis or "x" prong head. The $540 difference is nothing to sneeze at, but you might consider what kind of diamond you could buy if you get the designer setting, versus the diamond you could afford if you get the generic setting, before you rule out the "beloved."